HC Deb 20 April 1993 vol 223 cc284-5

Read a Second time.

Bill committed to a Committee of the whole House.—[Mr. Greg Knight.]

Bill immediately considered in Committee; reported, without amendment; read the Third time, and passed, without amendment.

Mr. Simon Hughes (Southwark and Bermondsey)

On a point of order, Mr. Deputy Speaker. Considering that we have whipped through all stages of three Bills in about three minutes—[Interruption.]—and while I have no doubt that hon. Members do not object to that, I suggest that it might be an idea for you or the Committee of Procedure to look at the wording used by the Whip as he introduces the various stages of Bills. I say that because it is a bit of a fallacy to say that the Committee told him to do anything, just as it is a fallacy to say that the Committee went through the Bill. By all means have a fast procedure for dealing with these matters, but let us at least be honest about the way we do it.

Mr. Deputy Speaker (Mr. Geoffrey Lofthouse)

I have no doubt that the procedure has been carried out for many years and that it is quite in order.